Ahoy mates,

It's been a while since the last newsletter and a lot has happened in the interim.
The new committee has hit the ground running; You would have noticed the increased focus on sailing activity, both in the planning and hosting of events be it an overnight raft-up or training classes, etc. Things are moving. Thanks to Charles Wallendorf, Ronnie Gurnell and Adrian Rautenbach, under the leadership of our Vice Commodore Pieter Rautenbach, for their efforts. We also have a new Communications and PR member on the committee - Sean Evans.

I'm told by a little birdy that he is ably supported by his wife, so remember to share the joy when commending him on the great work they are doing. Sean has also taken over the reins from me as newsletter editor so you will immediately see a quality improvement. Our Rear Commodore, Riaan Carstens, has also taken on additional responsibility and now serves as the club Secretary as well. Riaan has made a huge difference to the club with his organisational, planning and financial skills. He is also working on a project to take TYC into the digital age by implementing a new Management System.

If you have not received a call from Nick Pienaar, our new Membership Committee member as yet - then I thank you as this means that you are a paid-up member. I know that I sound like a broken record, but the club needs our members to be paid up as the restaurant barely keeps our doors open by covering our basic running expenses. Let us not forget the Trustees, who have been keeping themselves busy with ensuring our financial stability by improving the admin of our finances. This is their primary role and they are making efforts to ensure the viability of TYC long into the future.

Now for a look into the future: during November the entire committee will be spending a day at a workshop to see how to improve service to our members and improve our financial position. This will be the first of a series of workshops being planned to develop a roadmap for the future of TYC. The legal matters of the club remain unchanged with nothing to report at present. Our lease application is with the DAWS and we are awaiting the approval. In the meantime we need to remain relevant, so I appeal to members to come up with ideas to ensure better integration with the greater Hartbeespoort community. If you have contacts with groups such as girl guides, boy scouts, youth groups, adventure clubs, environmental groups and the like, please let us know and let’s see how we can work with them.

Lastly, join us in welcoming our newest members, Jaques Lubbe and family – aboard their L26 – named Albatross, and Adam Mykytyn with his Vivacity 20 . I trust that you will find the welcomes warm, the drinks cool, the winds fair and the waters calm

May your horizon always be clear and your journey rewarding.

Shaun Overmeyer
Commodore TYC

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With the hyacinth season approaching - fast, this is our PRIME TIME to make the most of Hartbeespoort Dam's pristine waters. Your committee has been working behind the scenes to deliver an action-packed program to creating unforgettable memories on the water. A huge THANK YOU to Charles Wallendorf for putting together an action-packed schedule for our TYC members.

Hot Happenings:
• Sunday 12 October 2025 ; Club Champs Shake Up ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register
• Saturday 18 October & Sunday 19 October 2025 ; Club Championships ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register
• Saturday 25 October & Sunday 26 October 2025 ; Club champs Reserve Day ; 10:00 – 15:00
• Sunday 09 November 2025 ; Gentleman’s Race single handed – Day 1 ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register
• Sunday 16 November ; Holiday Race day 1 ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register
• Saturday 22 November ; 4 Hour Round the dam Challenge ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register
• Sunday 23 November ; Gentleman’s Race single handed – Day 2 ; 10:00 – 15:00 ; Register

You can also visit https://tyc.co.za/upcoming-events for ease of reference.

It's time to hoist the sails, rally your crew, and dive into the freshest lineup of nautical escapades! Don’t forget to register.

A Special Member note

After years without a Commodore’s Dinner, Transvaal Yacht Club will reconvene this signature gathering on Saturday, 25 October 2025, as a visible marker of TYC’s renewal and a recommitment to the traditions that knit a club together ashore and afloat. The dinner underscores TYC’s founding object to promote fellowship among members while honouring service and setting a confident course for the next season of growth.
Reinstating this tradition is not just ceremonial; it is a deliberate step in re-energizing member culture, recognizing leadership, and rebuilding shared momentum after challenging waters on Hartbeespoort Dam, where ongoing hyacinth mitigation has impacted recreational activity and community confidence. Gathering in formal club spirit creates the social gravity that retains long-standing members, welcomes new faces, and signals the resilience and pride of Africa’s oldest inland yacht club.
Members are encouraged to make a special effort to attend on 25 October to celebrate service, reconnect across generations, and help chart TYC’s forward course together through presence, participation, and renewed camaraderie. Formal invitations with RSVP and menu details will be issued to all members soon.

Full sails and clear skies to all aboard.

Team TYC